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Multiple Choice
What is the electron configuration for a neutral atom of titanium?
A
[Ar] 3d^0 4s^4
B
[Ar] 3d^2 4s^2
C
[Ar] 3d^4 4s^0
D
[Ar] 3d^3 4s^1
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number of titanium, which is 22. This number represents the total number of electrons in a neutral atom of titanium.
Recall the order of electron filling according to the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level to the highest. The order is: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, etc.
Begin filling the electron orbitals for titanium: Start with the 1s orbital, which can hold 2 electrons, then fill the 2s orbital with 2 electrons, followed by the 2p orbital with 6 electrons.
Continue filling: Place 2 electrons in the 3s orbital, 6 electrons in the 3p orbital, and then 2 electrons in the 4s orbital. At this point, you have filled 20 electrons.
Finally, place the remaining 2 electrons in the 3d orbital, completing the electron configuration for titanium as [Ar] 3d2 4s2.